The Lake That Cracked

Joona Keskitalo

Original title: Järvi, joka murtui

Author: Joona Keskitalo

Published: 2025

Publisher: Bazar

Genre: Crime & Suspense

Pages: 284

Part of a series: The Outback series

Reading material:

English sample book 1, English translation books 2-3
English synopsis (books 1-3)
German sample (book #2)
Series presentation
Finnish editions (books 1-4), Series presentation

A story about the seven signs of evil, a few rolls of plastic, and a newt who has made a forest in Southern Karelia its territory

When Kari Kinnunen has made up his mind to cut down a forest, he cuts it down, no matter what endangered newt lives on his land. One can get rid of the creature by draining the waters of a small lake across the border as a nuisance for the Russians. But the water rushes in the wrong direction, destroys everything, and leaves Kari unable to speak. All that is left is a horrible find: four corpses lying on the lakebed.

The bodies found in the small lake remain a mystery for the people of Rautjärvi until a letter arrives at the office of the local newspaper. It also brings a new direction to the life of journalist Anna Vainikka who has been drifting aimlessly between her lover and her husband. The very same letter connects Anna to another fumbler - Kari - and the murderer behind the letter.

Download reading materials

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Bazar (orig.)

About author

Joona Keskitalo

Joona Keskitalo was born in Oulu, grew up in Hämeenlinna, and now lives with his family in Espoo. His work experience includes everything from storage work to managing athletes and developing products for marketing companies. He now works as a full-time writer. As a writer, he is known for being a skilled plot developer, adding humor and well-drawn characters to his gripping stories.

Keskitalo's literary career began with The Disobedient crime trilogy, which follows the journey of former schoolmates to the top of the drug trade.

Keskitalo's The Outback series connects stories of crimes occurring in remote villages across Finland and their resolution by the local community's colorful characters. The Outback books can be read in any order. The series includes the works The Island That Tore Apart, The Swamp That Sank, Howl of the Arctic Fell, and The Lake That Cracked. The fifth thriller will be released in May 2026!

Photo credit: Uupi Tirronen

Bibliography


2025, Crime & Suspense

Joona Keskitalo

The Lake That Cracked


2025, Crime & Suspense

Joona Keskitalo

Howl of the Arctic Fell


2024, Crime & Suspense

Joona Keskitalo

The Swamp That Sank


2024, Crime & Suspense

Joona Keskitalo

The Island Torn Apart